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Watch: AXE’s Powerful New Ad Challenges Masculinity and Stereotypes

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AXE’s new commercial “is it ok for guys…” explores male stereotypes and challenges men to avoid confirming to “toxic masculinity.”

The Axe video reflects Google searches that thousands of guys have made about whether something they like, want to do, or are, is “okay.” We see searches like, “Is it okay for guys to wear pink?” and “Is it okay to not like sports?”

Then we see some deeper ones such as, “Is it okay for guys to get nervous?” and “Is it okay for guys to be depressed?” Guys shouldn’t be wondering if it’s okay to feel these things, especially not in relation to their gender.

These are real questions that guys are looking up the answers for. Perhaps the real question is, “does [insert action or thought here] diminish my masculinity?” There is no concrete way to be a man. The feelings and thoughts of any man are valid. ‘Acting’ like a man is a subjective idea. The very image of manhood varies when comparing different cultures and time periods.

Before anything, a man is a human being. And as human beings, we are complex. We feel. We have different likes and dislikes. We’re curious, and constantly changing. A man’s masculinity can never be diminished by what he is going through or what he likes/dislikes. Shouldn’t being a man and being your truest self be somewhat synonymous?

This video gives a glimpse of insight into the uncertainties, insecurities, and thoughts that some men experience daily. All of which don’t make them any less of men. And I think we should explore that more. Watch the video above:

More on Masculinity

Personally I would like to see more videos like this. I feel it’s important to explore the male psyche in attempts to understand the male experience better. Having conversations like this can help men understand themselves more and the image they have of being a man. It can also help women understand men more, considering the fact that they are not privy to this experience. That, in turn, can help us all understand each other a little bit better. SoulPancake made a video a couple years ago that features a panel of men discussing what masculinity is. This video is a great supplement to the Axe video above, and touches on different perspectives: